Tokyo City Center

Tokyo Tower (Time 0.3)

東京タワー

Tokyo Tower, a true symbol of Tokyo, is a broadcasting tower built with the Eiffel Tower in France as inspiration.

It is 333m tall. The Main Deck is at 150m above ground, and the Top Deck is at 250m. Each deck has a separate admission fee, so please check before you visit.

It is about a 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line. You can also walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Line) or Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).

However, if you want to see Tokyo Tower itself, the view from the Roppongi Hills Observatory is a better choice. 📸

If your main goal is photo spots, Akabanebashi Station (Toei) is the closest station to get off at.

1) Tokyo Tower photo spots

• Prince Shiba Park
• Tofuya Ukai parking lot stairs
• Crosswalk near Akabanebashi Station (watch your safety)

2) Visitor information

• Closed days: the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (open if it is a public holiday, closed the next day)
• The observatory may be restricted due to events or operational reasons, so check before you go

3) Admission fees

• Main Deck: Adults 1,500 yen / High school students 1,200 yen / Elementary & junior high students 900 yen / Preschool children 600 yen
• Top Deck: Adults 3,500 yen / High school students 3,300 yen / Elementary & junior high students 2,300 yen / Preschool children 1,700 yen
• The Top Deck ticket includes Main Deck admission

Odaiba (Time 0.8)

お台場

In 1853, the shogunate felt threatened by Commodore Perry’s demand to open Japan, and began building sea fort batteries around Edo. These were called Daiba (台場).

Later, with the honorific “O,” it became known as Odaiba, but in the end, Japan opened its doors without firing a single cannon.

Once a landfill site in Tokyo Bay, this area is an artificial island created through seabed dredging. After urban redevelopment, it has become one of Tokyo’s main tourist areas, with many things to see and eat.

However, after COVID-19, major spots such as Mega Web, the Ferris wheel, VenusFort, and Oedo Onsen Monogatari closed, and redevelopment is still in progress. Odaiba is not as famous as it used to be.

Still, the night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from Odaiba Seaside Park is beautiful, and it remains a popular date spot for locals. 🌉✨

• Mega Web, Zepp Tokyo, VenusFort, the Ferris wheel, and Oedo Onsen closed due to redevelopment in 2022

1) How to get there

① Yurikamome

• The most common way to reach Odaiba; board at Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line
• An automated elevated train (not a monorail)
• The 1-day pass (820 yen) is only worth it if you ride 3 times or more
• Suggested route: Shimbashi Station → Daiba Station (330 yen) → Gundam → Fuji TV → Aqua City → Statue of Liberty → Seaside Park → Decks Tokyo Beach → Odaiba-kaihinkoen → Shimbashi Station (330 yen)

② Rinkai Line + JR Saikyo Line

• Through service between the JR Saikyo Line and the Rinkai Line lets you reach Tokyo Teleport Station from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu, and Osaki with no transfers
• Example: From Shinjuku, 520 yen and about 23 minutes → faster and more convenient than the Yurikamome route

③ Water bus

You can also travel to Odaiba by water bus. This is a good option if you want a different experience and a more romantic atmosphere than regular transport.

• You can board at Asakusa, or at Hinode Pier (日の出桟橋) near Yurikamome Hinode Station.
• From JR Hamamatsucho Station to Hinode Pier, it is about 1 km on foot, so walking is easy.
• If you want to reach Odaiba by a different route instead of trains or Yurikamome, the water bus is a great alternative.
• Boat types and fares vary by route, and services are not very frequent.
• Check timetables in advance. Boats can sell out, so booking on the website is recommended.
• Regular service is suspended every Tuesday, so keep this in mind.

1) Travel time by route

• Asakusa → Odaiba
  • Regular boat: about 80 minutes (stops at Hinode)
  • Hotaluna: about 60 minutes
  • Himiko: about 50 minutes
  • Emeraldas: about 55 minutes
• Hinode → Odaiba
  • Regular boat: about 20 minutes
  • Hotaluna: about 20 minutes

2) Boat types and features

• Himiko, Hotaluna, and Emeraldas were all designed by Leiji Matsumoto, the creator of “Galaxy Express 999.”
• Their unique spaceship-like designs make the ride visually fun.
• The order of creation is Himiko → Hotaluna → Emeraldas, and Emeraldas is the newest, with an interior designed like a spaceship, so it is especially popular.
• Except for Himiko, the other boats allow you to go up to the deck, so you can enjoy the sea view directly.
• If you upgrade to an Emeraldas Compartment seat, an extra 3,000 to 4,000 yen is added.

2) Suggested itinerary

① DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

A large shopping complex built with the concept of a “theater-style city space.” You can enjoy shopping, relaxation, and entertainment in one place. A life-size Gundam statue is on display. The Gundam show runs at set times, so check the schedule before you visit.

② Fuji TV Headquarters

A building designed by the famous Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. The most striking feature is the silver sphere, which operates as the “Hachitama Observatory.”

From the observatory, you can see Tokyo in a 270-degree panoramic view, including Tokyo Tower and Skytree.

③ Aqua City

An entertainment-style shopping mall near Odaiba Marine Park. It has 5 zones, around 150 shops, and many restaurants.

The Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai, a ramen area with 6 carefully selected shops from across Japan, is especially popular.

④ Statue of Liberty & Odaiba Seaside Park

A replica of the Statue of Liberty, originally a gift from France to the United States for the 100th anniversary of independence, is also installed in Odaiba.

It was first displayed as a temporary loan from France, but after the exhibition ended, it was recreated at the same size with approval from France due to public requests in Japan.

At Odaiba Seaside Park nearby, you can enjoy the night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay, and it is widely known as a popular date spot.

⑤ Decks Tokyo Beach

A large shopping and entertainment complex with theme attractions such as Tokyo Joypolis, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, Tokyo Trick Art Museum, and Madame Tussauds Tokyo.

There are also spaces with retro vibes and food, such as “Daiba 1-chome Shotengai” and the “Odaiba Takoyaki Museum.”

• Tokyo Joypolis

  • An experience-based indoor game center with VR attractions, an indoor roller coaster, and 3D games.
  • After buying an entry ticket, you can pay per attraction, or use a free pass for unlimited access.
  • If you visit on your birthday, you can receive a free pass, so bring your passport.

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo

  • With over 3 million LEGO bricks, it is a good place to spend a full day with children.

• Madame Tussauds Tokyo

  • A museum with wax figures of famous people from around the world.
  • There are no Korean figures, but you can see figures such as Audrey Hepburn, Tom Cruise, and famous Japanese actors and athletes.

• Tokyo Trick Art Museum

  • A hands-on illusion space using 3D paintings, with many photo spots.

Ginza & Fish Market (Time 0.5)

銀座 / 築地市場

1) Ginza

The name Ginza (銀座) comes from the area’s history as a place where Japanese coins were minted.

If Takeshita Street in Harajuku is known as a street for teenagers, and Omotesando is known as a street for people in their 20s, Ginza is a street for people in their 30s and older, lined with global luxury brands.

It is also home to Sukiyabashi Jiro, a sushi restaurant (Michelin 3-star) known for a visit by President Obama. Many high-end restaurants and traditional Japanese dining establishments (料亭) are also here.

With many stylish buildings designed by famous architects, simply walking around Ginza can be a special experience.

2) Tsukiji Outer Market

Within walking distance from Ginza, this is a good place if you want to experience a traditional fish market atmosphere and try authentic sushi.

3) Toyosu Fish Market

Built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to expand and modernize Tsukiji Market, this is now Tokyo’s main fish market.

There is a program to watch the tuna auction, and advance reservation is required, so check the schedule in advance.

4) teamLab Planets Tokyo (teamLab Planets)

From April 2023 to March 2024, 2,504,264 visitors came, and it was listed in the Guinness World Records as a digital art exhibition space.

It includes 4 artwork spaces and 2 gardens, and is loved for its concept of a “museum where you enter the water, and a garden where you become one with flowers.”

5) Senkyakubanrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen

After redevelopment in Odaiba, a traditional onsen facility where you could wear a yukata and enjoy a footbath closed, and for a while, Urayasu Mangekyo Oedo Onsen was used as an alternative. However, this facility has also closed.

In February 2024, “Senkyakubanrai Manyo Club Onsen” newly opened near Toyosu Fish Market.

Here, you can wear a yukata, enjoy a footbath, and relax, and it has recently gained attention again.

• “Senkyakubanrai” is a four-character idiom meaning “many guests come one after another.”

Roppongi (Time 0.5)

六本木

Roppongi (六本木) is a place name used since the 1660s. One theory says it comes from six trees that once stood here. Another theory says it comes from Edo-period family names (Aoki, Hitotsuyanagi, Uesugi, Katagiri, Kutsuki, Takagi), many of which include the character 木.

After World War II, US and Allied facilities were built here. Later, foreign embassies and global companies moved in, and the area became more international, similar to Itaewon in Seoul.

1) Roppongi Hills

One of the main landmarks in Roppongi, with the Maman spider sculpture in front of Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum (often called the “museum closest to heaven”), and an observatory with excellent Tokyo Tower views.

To the east is Mori Garden, a 17th-century Japanese garden. From early November to December 25, the area hosts one of Japan’s most famous illuminations.

• After 2024, it was also extended in 2025, running until February 14

2) Midtown

Built after Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown is a landmark where green space at the entrance creates a relaxed feel in the city.

Its shops focus on a premium concept, with many items that are hard to find elsewhere. It also carries international designer brands, so it is popular with fashion-focused visitors.

3) Azabudai Hills

A new landmark that opened on November 24, 2023, and now one of Japan’s tallest buildings. It surpassed Abeno Harukas in Osaka (300m) with a height of 330m.

It includes residential, cultural, and commercial spaces, as well as Janu Tokyo, a hotel run by Janu, the sister brand of Aman.

Also, teamLab Borderless moved here from Odaiba. Please note that from April 18, 2024, the 33rd-floor observatory is only open to certain facility users.

Asakusa (Time 0.8)

浅草

Asakusa is the only place in central Tokyo where you can still feel Edo-period atmosphere. Asakusa (浅草) refers to the area around Sensoji Temple (浅草寺). Over time, “浅草” (without the temple character “寺”) became the area name.

Sensoji was founded in 645 to enshrine a Kannon statue that fishermen found in their net in the Sumida River.

A legend says a dragon deity appeared with shining golden scales, so Sensoji treats the dragon as a guardian spirit.

Most structures were destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II. The current buildings were rebuilt after 1960.

The official name of the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is Fujinraijinmon (風神雷神門). Fujin, the wind god, is on the right, and Raijin, the thunder god, is on the left.

Under Kaminarimon, there is a hidden dragon carving, the guardian of Sensoji. In Japan, dragons are believed to bring clouds and rain, and are also used as a symbol to prevent fires.

The current Kaminarimon was donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, to mark his recovery from illness, and it was rebuilt again in 2013.

After you pass through the gate, there are Tenryu statues (male) and Kinryu statues (female) in symmetry with Fujin and Raijin. They represent the dragon deity in human form, and were dedicated as guardian figures in Buddhist tradition.

The street from Kaminarimon to the main hall is Nakamise (仲見世), Japan’s oldest shopping street, ideal for a quick snack or souvenir shopping.

If you turn left from Nakamise, you will reach Denpoin-dori (伝法院通). Hidden here are thieves from the kabuki play “Shiranamigoninotoko (白浪五人男),” which makes it fun to look for them.

Behind Hozomon Gate, you can see a giant straw sandal weighing 2.5 tons. It is made once every 10 years by 8 craftsmen over about one month. It symbolizes driving away evil spirits.

In front of the main hall, the incense burner smoke fills the air, and many visitors waft the smoke onto their body. This is based on a belief that it can heal sick areas and clear the mind.

After visiting, the Nakamise area can be very crowded, so it is more efficient to exit with Sensoji behind you and turn left (toward Skytree).

• Main hall hours: 06:00 ~ 17:00 (Oct–Mar: 06:30 ~ 17:00)
• Closed: Open all year
• Admission: Free
• If you visit in the late afternoon, the main hall is closed, but Nakamise and Sensoji at night feel very different from daytime (most shops close by 18:00)

Asahi Beer Headquarters

If you cross the Sumida River from Sensoji toward Skytree, you will see the Asahi Beer Headquarters with its gold exterior.

The gold represents a glass of beer, and the white top represents foam. The nearby building’s sculpture shows “foam flying,” but because of its unusual look, it is also nicknamed the “Poop Building.”

Asahi Sky Room

On the 22nd floor of the Asahi building, there is a sky lounge called the Sky Room, where you can enjoy beer with a view.

• Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:00
• Last order: Food 20:30 / Drinks 21:00
• Closed: Year-end/New Year, facility inspection day (last Sunday of January), Sumida River Fireworks Festival, and other irregular closures

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Hanabi)

At Sumidagawa (隅田川) near Asakusa, one of Japan’s largest fireworks festivals is held.

Every summer, over 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky.

In Japan, many people wear yukata at festivals, so in summer Tokyo, you can also enjoy a yukata experience.

• Date: every year on the last Saturday of July

Skytree (Time 0.5)

SkyTree

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower built across the Sumida River. The original planned height was 610.58m, but it was changed to 634m in 2009. It became the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, surpassing Guangzhou Tower in China.

Because it is so tall and easy to see from almost anywhere in Tokyo, you do not need to go close unless you plan to visit the observatory.

From the observatory, you can feel like you are looking down over Tokyo from a helicopter.

• Observatory tickets can be reserved from one month before the visit date
• Sunset time slots sell out quickly, so book early
• Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00
  • 350m Tembo Deck last entry: 20:00
  • 450m Galleria last entry: 20:20
• Closed: Open all year
• Nearest stations:
  • Tokyo Metro / Toei Line Oshiage (押上) Station
  • Narita Sky Access Line Oshiage (押上) Station
  • Tobu Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station (東京スカイツリー)

Tokyo Solamachi

This building next to Skytree forms Tokyo Skytree Town together with the tower. With around 300 shops, it is a large commercial complex where you can enjoy food, shopping, and sightseeing in one place. 🎁🍱

• 3F: Food court Solamachi Tabe Terrace
• 4F: Japanese souvenirs, Sumida Aquarium (SUMIDA AQUARIUM)
• 6F–7F: Restaurant floors with local foods from across Japan
• Many character shops, including Pokemon, Ghibli, and Sanrio

Tokyo Dome (Time 0.5)

東京ドーム

Tokyo Dome is Japan’s first domed baseball stadium, and a place many baseball fans want to visit at least once. ⚾️

It opened on March 18, 1988 and is the home stadium of the Yomiuri Giants. Because the overall shape looks like an egg, it is also called Big Egg.

The roof uses an air-supported structure, so the air pressure inside is kept about 0.3% higher than outside. For this, blowers constantly create upward airflow.

Because of this structure, the ball’s rebound is lower, and compared to other stadiums, there tend to be more long hits and home runs.

There is also a fun story people share: when the Yomiuri team is batting, the blowers help them, and when the other team is batting, a headwind is created to interfere. 🤔 (take it or leave it)

Also, Tokyo Dome has a straight layout toward left field and right field, so the distance to the outfield fence is relatively short (about 110m). This is also seen as a reason for frequent home runs.

• If you look up, there are sections with holes. If a batted ball goes into one of these, it is ruled a ground-rule double.

Daikanyama & Nakameguro (Time 0.5)

代官山 & 中目黒

The name Daikanyama (代官山) comes from the Edo period, when high-ranking officials lived in this area. Even today, it is known as an upscale residential neighborhood, with many embassies and foreign residents, creating an international atmosphere. 🏡

It is a popular area for stylish Japanese women, and Hillside Terrace, a well-known work by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki (槇文彦), is considered the main shopping street in Daikanyama.

Nakameguro (中目黒) is one stop away from Daikanyama, and is also known as an upscale residential area. With unique restaurants and cafes in many small streets, it is perfect for a walk and casual stops.

• About a 10-minute walk from Ebisu Station
• Tokyu Toyoko Line: Daikanyama (代官山), Nakameguro (中目黒) Stations
• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Nakameguro Station

Jiyugaoka (Time 0.5)

自由が丘

Jiyugaoka is a cute neighborhood that is so popular in Japan that it is sometimes called a paradise for female college students.

It has many cafes, bakeries, and dessert shops, making it a great place for sweet treats.

There are also many small goods shops and lifestyle stores, so it is nice to walk around and browse. With benches in many spots, the area feels relaxed.

Key attractions include La Vita, a small recreation of streets in Venice, Italy, and Kosoan (古桑庵), a traditional Japanese tea house.

• Get off at Jiyugaoka Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)

Shimokitazawa (Time 0.5)

下北沢

Shimokitazawa is one of the most distinctive cultural areas in Tokyo.

Locals shorten the name to “Shimokita.” It is known for its many secondhand and vintage fashion stores, and it is a must-visit area for vintage lovers.

It is also known as a major area for Japanese indie music, and there are many lifestyle shops and interior goods stores, making it great for stylish shopping.

Mikkan Shimokita

Mikkan (みかん) is a short form of Mikansei (未完成), which means “unfinished” in Japanese. The name represents Shimokitazawa’s character as a place that is always changing and evolving.

It is a place where you can find one-of-a-kind vintage styles, and there is also a food zone where you can try dishes from many countries. Recently, it has become even more popular among younger visitors.

• Odakyu Odawara Line: Shimokitazawa (下北沢) Station
• Keio Inokashira Line: Shimokitazawa Station

Kichijoji & Ghibli Museum (Time 0.5)

吉祥寺

Kichijoji is often ranked as the No.1 neighborhood where Japanese women want to live.

In Japan, couples often choose amusement parks for date spots, and Inokashira Park is a well-known example. You can take a walk or ride swan boats and rowboats, and the atmosphere can feel like a scene from a Japanese drama or anime.

Harmonica Yokocho is an alley that formed after World War II, when restaurants and small shops moved into a former black market area. Its name comes from the fact that the narrow, long alley looks like a harmonica. “Yokocho (横丁)” means an alley.

With many cute cafes and unique shops, it is easy to lose track of time while walking around. Even a full day may feel short, so manage your time carefully.

• JR Chuo Line: Kichijoji Station
• Keio Inokashira Line: Kichijoji (吉祥寺) Station

Ghibli Museum

The official name is the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum), and it is within walking distance from Inokashira Park in Kichijoji.

The biggest challenge is getting tickets. Same-day tickets are not available. After you reserve, you must print a physical ticket at a Loppi machine at Lawson (LAWSON) in Japan.

Tickets for the next month go on sale at 10:00 AM on the 10th of every month, and they sell out fast due to global demand.

How to buy tickets

The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo requires advance reservation, and on-site ticket purchase is not possible. There are currently three main ways to book.

1. Ghibli official website (international booking site)

• The standard option and the most recommended method
• The person who booked and their companions must enter together
• You may be asked to show your passport (physical) at entry
• Tickets open at 10:00 AM on the 10th for the next month
  • It is recommended to connect in incognito/private mode about 1 hour early
  • First Name: Your passport English first name
  • Last Name: Your passport English last name
  • 4-digit password: Needed to confirm your booking
  • Country name in English: South Korea
  • Arrival airport in Japan: Narita or Haneda, etc.
  • Departure airport: Seoul, Busan, etc.
• Competition is very intense because people access from all over the world
• Entry is possible with the QR code only (no printing needed)

2. Use a ticket agency

• Book through a travel agency or ticket reseller
• Usually about 3–4 times more expensive than the official price
• Considered a backup option if official booking fails

3. Book through a local friend

• Even if the international site is sold out, tickets are often still available through local channels
• A friend living in Japan books for you
• In principle, you must enter together with the friend who booked
• If the friend only books for you and does not go with you, you may not be allowed to enter
• Staff may check the booker’s identity at the entrance